Irradiation treatment against Rhagoletis pomonella
Studies were done in USA on the efficacy of irradiation against Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 list) in apples under storage conditions (hypoxic atmosphere and low-temperatures). The efficacy of irradiation was assessed by measuring the failure of adult emergence from puparium, after treatment of third larval instars. The irradiation treatment was not significantly affected by cold temperatures but its efficacy was reduced by hypoxia. It was also found that a dose of 50 Gy completely prevented development into full pupae when apples were irradiated in ambient and hypoxic atmospheres. It is noted that apples and pears can tolerate doses 300-900 Gy, depending on cultivar. It is concluded that a dose of 57 Gy could be recommended for a phytosanitary treatment of host fruits of R. pomonella.
Sources
Hallman GJ (2004) Irradiation disinfestation of apple maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) in hypoxic and low-temperature storage.
Journal of Economic Entomology, 97(4), 1245-1248.